Deer Hunters

May 7, 1986

THE SENATE WANTS deer hunters and their companions to wear at least 500 square inches of fluorescent orange material to help keep other hunters from mistaking them for animals and shooting them. A bill (SB 334) by Sen. George Stuart Jr., D-Orlando, to require the wearing of the orange on public lands passed 22 to 14. One opponent, Sen. Dempsey Barron, D-Panama City, derisively called it the ''Agent Orange bill.'' The Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission has investigated 187 hunting-related firearm and archery accidents since 1981. In 35 cases, victims were mistaken for game, resulting in eight deaths and 27 non-fatal injuries. Stuart said fatalities have dropped at least 75 percent in states that require orange to be worn. Senate staffers estimate it would cost less than $10 for each hunter to comply by wearing orange hats and vests. The garb wouldn't be required on private land or for those hunting animals other than deer. Next: the House.